Darnell Nurse Trade Ends Oilers' Saga While Creating Long-Term Gamble For Sharks
The Edmonton Oilers finally got it done.
After months of speculation and uncertainty about Darnell Nurse's future in Edmonton, GM Stan Bowman found a willing trade partner in Mike Grier of the San Jose Sharks to take on the entirety of the defenseman's $9.25-million cap hit.
The 31-year-old played 798 games for the Oilers since being drafted seventh overall back in 2013 and suited up for 100 playoff games. Nurse scored seven goals and recorded 24 points over 82 games in the 2025-26 season.
In return, the Oilers acquired 24-year-old defenseman and 2020 first-round pick, Shakir Mukhamadullin, along with prospect Zack Sharp, a 21-year-old defenseman taken in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.
Oilers Trade for Sabres Goaltender Devon Levi, Another Move Coming?
Edmonton bolsters its crease by acquiring the former collegiate standout for a future pick, banking on the Devon Levi's high-end athleticism to stabilize their inconsistent goaltending situation.
Sharks Take On Short-Term Upside, Long-Term Gamble
The Sharks desperately needed an overhaul on their blueline and had a ton of cap space to use in the short term, making them one of the only real fits for Nurse.
Nurse averaged nearly 21 minutes of ice time for the Oilers this past season, which was fourth-most on the team behind only Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
He's undeniably overpaid, is far from the player he once was and, in an ideal situation, is not relied on that heavily in San Jose.
However, he's still a very capable middle-pairing defenseman with a physical, veteran presence.
This deal does come with its risks, though.
Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and Yaroslav Askarov need new deals by next summer. Then Michael Misa, Igor Chernyshov and Sam Dickinson will become RFAs the following year.
The cap space looks favorable now, but failing to get any retention from the Oilers may end up affecting the Sharks down the line.
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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 4:47 PM.